Apparatus and method for effecting radiation treatment on a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an apparatus for effecting radiation treatment on a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body comprising: a group of n hollow treatment channels being inserted at one or more pre-planned positions in said pre-selected anatomical portion; a group of m delivery channels to be connected to a corresponding number m from said group of n hollow treatment channels with m being 2 or more and n being 1 or more; identifying means for identifying which one of said m delivery channels is being connected with which one of said n hollow treatment channels, said identifying means comprising a tracking element accommodated in a tracking channel, said tracking element being intended to be displaced from said tracking channel through each of said interconnected m delivery channels and m treatment channels; storage means for storing k energy emitting sources in a corresponding source-channel, with k&lt;=m; delivery means for temporarily inserting said k energy emitting sources from their source-channels through a corresponding one of said interconnected m delivery channels and m treatment channels towards one of said pre-planned positions in said anatomical portion; coupling means for coupling at least one of said m delivery channels with a corresponding treatment channel.

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to an apparatus for effecting radiation treatment on a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body comprising: a group of n hollow treatment channels being inserted at one or more pre-planned positions in said pre-selected anatomical portion; a group of m delivery channels to be connected to a corresponding number m from said group of n hollow treatment channels with m being 2 or more and n being 1 or more; identifying means for identifying which one of said m delivery channels is being connected with which one of said n hollow treatment channels, said identifying means comprising a tracking element accommodated in a tracking channel, said tracking element being intended to be displaced from said tracking channel through each of said interconnected m delivery channels and m treatment channels; storage means for storing k energy emitting sources in a corresponding source-channel, with k≦m; delivery means for temporarily inserting said k energy emitting sources from their source-channels through a corresponding one of said interconnected m delivery channels and m treatment channels towards one of said pre-planned positions in said anatomical portion; coupling means for coupling at least one of said m delivery channels with a corresponding treatment channel.

The invention also relates to a method for effecting radiation treatment on a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body comprising the steps of: I) inserting a group of n hollow treatment channels at one or more positions in said pre-selected anatomical portion; ii) permanently connecting with said group of n hollow treatment channels with a group of n connecting positions of a fixed positioned connecting template; iii) connecting a group of m delivery channels with a number m of said group of n connecting positions of the template; iv) inserting k energy emitting sources each through one of said m delivery channels and interconnected n hollow treatment channels towards one or more positions in said pre-selected anatomical portion.

Remote after loaders are devices generally used in the cancer treatment field to accurately advance and retract a flexible wire containing a gamma radiation emitting source over a specified distance for a specific time period. A remote after loader comprises a flexible simulation wire for testing purposes and a flexible wire with the gamma radiation emitting source, specific control and transport mechanisms to operate both types of wires, as well as a radiation shielded housing for the radiation emitting source.

Typically one or more catheters, needles or other closed pathways (hereafter “treatment channels” or “treatment needles”) to the treatment site are positioned in the patient. The treatment channels are then attached to the after loader, which advances the radioactive source at the end of the transport wire, sometimes called a source wire, from a source storage channel through an interconnected delivery channel and a treatment channel, which is connected to said delivery channel.

The subsequent positioning of the energy emitting source through the interconnected delivery channels/treatment channels at the several positions in the tumour is performed according to a predetermined sequence calculated by a treatment planning system in order to deliver a correct therapeutic dose of radiation to the tumour.

The radiation (energy) emitting sources presently used are radioactive sources, which sources continuously emit gamma radiation following the principles of natural radioactive decay and which are characterized by the specific half life time of the used radioactive material. Since the sources used in such treatment can constitute a hazard to a user (doctor, physicist, nurse, etc.) performing the treatment, after loaders are used for inserting of the radioactive source in the patient with minimum radiation exposure of the technician or with no exposure whatsoever.

These after loader devices allow the insertion of the radioactive source in the patient after the user administering the treatment moves away from the patient or leaves the treatment room. In other words, the radioactive source is loaded into the patient for treatment after the user leaves the patient, and for that reason such devices are generally referred to as “remote after loading devices”.

If large tumours have to be treated with brachytherapy the number hollow needles used and inserted into the patient's body (and hence in the tumour to be treated) can be high. With the increasing number of the treatment channels inserted into the tumour, the risk of false connections between the treatment channels and the delivery channels increases which results in a misadministration.

To this end an identification of the treatment channels and the interconnected delivery channel is performed in order to position the correct source via the correct delivery channel and treatment channel at the correct position within the tumour according to the pre-planned treatment plan.

A drawback of these prior art devices is that the source can be only moved out of the storage means towards a delivery channel/treatment channel after the dummy has checked the next treatment channels. This results in increased waiting time by a high number of treatment channels and extends the average treatment time for the patient (and hence increased discomfort).

A further disadvantage of the described system is that the patient is permanently connected with a large number of treatment channels and the tracking element (dummy source) is unable to detect automatically, whether the treatment channel is correctly connected with the delivery channel according to the treatment plan.

An example of a device described above is disclosed in the not yet published European patent application No. 05076645.0 in the name of the same applicant.

The invention aims to provide an apparatus according to the above preamble allowing a safer and more efficient treatment, reducing the risk of treatment errors and minimizing the discomfort to the patient.

According to the invention further delivery channel connecting means are arranged so as that by only one coupling position of the coupling means the k energy emitting sources can be inserted alternatively and simultaneously through the m delivery channels towards a first group of m treatment channels connected with said m delivery channels, whereas the m delivery and m treatment channels have been previously checked by the identification means.

Herewith a proper selection and interconnection of the multiple source channels together with the tracking channel with one or more delivery channels is accomplished, resulting in a more versatile apparatus allowing the temporary placement of multiple energy emitting sources via said specific delivery channels within a patient's body and simultaneously checking the correct identity of the next treatment channel in the pre-planned sequence of the therapy treatment and reducing the total waiting time.

Furthermore any discomfort to the patient is herewith reduced.

More in particular the delivery channel connecting means comprise a cylindrical shaped element, which cylindrical shaped element is rotatable about it longitudinal axis and provided with grooves, each groove interconnecting one of said m delivery channels with either one of said source-channels or said tracking channel.

In a preferred embodiment at least two of said grooves are shaped as straight grooves, whereas in another embodiment said straight grooves cross each other in a perpendicular manner.

As in a further embodiment furthermore at least a further groove is shaped as a curved groove a quick and versatile interconnection of one or more source channels as well as a tracking channel in a simultaneous manner with multiple delivery channels/treatment channels is accomplished, allowing the performance of multiple therapy treatments (by inserting multiple energy emitting sources through said treatment channels) as well as a proper identification of a further delivery channel/treatment channel for the next treatment session.

This will speed up the therapy treatment and reduce any discomfort to the patient.

More in particular said at least curved groove exhibits a ¼-quarter of the cylindrical circumferential surface.

In one embodiment said grooves are provided in an end face of said cylindrical shaped element extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rotation, whereas in another embodiment said grooves are provided in the circumferential surface of said cylindrical shaped element extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation.

In another versatile embodiment the delivery channel connecting means comprise a shifting element, which can be displaced in lateral direction, and which shifting element is provided with grooves interconnecting one of said m delivery channels with either one of said source-channels or said tracking channel.

More in particular said grooves are shaped as straight grooves, wherein said grooves are inclined in view of the lateral displacement of the element.

For a correct and safe operation of the apparatus according to the invention connecting means are present for connection each of said m delivery channels with one of said corresponding number m hollow treatment channels.

More in particular said coupling means comprise a robotic arm carrying said m delivery channels and provided at its free end with a coupling element, which coupling element is adapted to be brought in engagement with a template to which said group of n hollow treatment channels are connected.

In order to minimize operation errors and to improve the safe environment for performing therapy treatment with multiple energy emitting sources the coupling means comprise at least one activatable sensing element present on the coupling element.

In a preferred embodiment the sensing elements consist of a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element, wherein another embodiment the coupling means comprise at least one electromagnet present on the coupling element for maintaining the coupling between the coupling element and the template during treatment.

In one preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention k=2 and m=4.

The method according to the invention is further characterized in that step iii) comprises the step of v) selectively and alternatively connecting the m delivery channels with another number m of said group n connecting positions of the template connected with the treatment channels.

The invention also relates to a method for classifying an energy emitting source contained in an radiation shielded compartment and intended for insertion through an insertion channel towards a position in a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body comprising the steps of: a) displacing said energy emitting source from said radiation shielded compartment over a certain distance through said insertion channel with a shielded element; b) detecting the dose being delivered from said energy emitting source during said displacement over said certain distance at different points over that distance; c) determining the dose at said different point over that distance; d) comparing said determined dose measurements with one or more pre-determined and stored dose-distance curves.

The invention shall now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show:

FIG. 1 an apparatus according to the state of the art;

FIG. 2 an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

FIGS. 3 a-3 b detailed but schematic views of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 a-4 b detailed but schematic views of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

FIGS. 5 a-5 b detailed but schematic views of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

FIGS. 6 a-6 b another embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention;

FIGS. 7 a-7 b and 8 a-8 b another embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10 a-10 b yet another embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention.

For clarity reasons corresponding parts depicted in the drawings will be denoted with the same reference numeral in the following detailed description.

In FIG. 1 a specific embodiment of the apparatus according to the state of the art and described in EP 05076645.0 is disclosed. The treatment apparatus 12 comprises a treatment planning unit 12 as well as radiation delivery or drive means 8 comprising a transfer tube 20 connected to a robotic arm provided with a connection element 22, which can be brought in contact with the proximal end 10 a of a selected treatment channel 10 which is inserted into a pre-selected target tissue 11, for example the prostate gland within the patient's body 1 using a template 5 separately connected to the patient's body.

The connecting element 22 is provided with a through bore extending into an insertion of a delivery channel being connected with radiation drive means 8. The movement of the robotic arm is monitored and operated until the connecting element 22 is brought in alignment and in contact with the template 5 and the exposed end 10a of the hollow needle 10. Subsequent a tracking wire (not shown) is guided through the delivery channel towards the hollow needle 10 interconnected with the connecting element 22. At the distal end of the tracking wire a tracking element is present, which is preferably an electromagnetic tracking element.

The displacement of the electromagnetic tracking element through the selected hollow needle 10 can be reconstructed using suitable means described in EP 05076645.0. The obtained information represents the actual orientation of the hollow needle 10, which reconstructed orientation or location is compared with the pre-planned orientations of the plurality of hollow needles 10-10′-etc. which are to be inserted into the patient's body upon performing the radiation treatment.

Subsequently the tracking wire with the tracking element is retracted from the hollow needle 10 into the treatment apparatus 8-12 and a guiding or source wire with at its distal end an energy emitting source (a HDR or LDR source) is advanced through the connecting element 22 and the hollow needle 10 for performing radiation therapy treatment.

Subsequent the guiding wire and the energy emitting source are retracted back into the treatment apparatus 8-12, the connecting element 22 is disconnected from the template 5/the needle 10 and brought in alignment with a further hollow needle 10′ inserted at a different location inside the patient's body 1.

A first embodiment of the device of the invention is disclosed in FIG. 2, which device is capable of handling multiple energy emitting sources accommodated in the housing 12. In this embodiment two sources are used, but more than two sources can also be implemented. Each energy emitting source 60 a-60 b is mounted to a corresponding source wire 34 a-34 b and accommodated in a corresponding source channel 33 a-33 b and stored in a shielding 12 a. The sources 60 a-60 b can be advanced and retracted through the device to and from the patient by means of suitable radiation drive means 8 a-8 b (displacement means).

As in the prior art of FIG. 1 the embodiment of FIG. 2 is provided with identifying means 230 comprising a tracking element 23 a connected to a tracking wire 23 accommodated in a tracking channel 35 to correctly identify which one of the delivery channels 36 a-36 b is connected with one of the treatment channels 10 positioned in a patient's body 1.

Whereas the embodiment of FIG. 1 is provided with one delivery channel, which is connected using the robotic arm 20 in a stepwise manner with each of the implanted treatment channels 10-10′-etcetera, the robotic arm of the embodiment of FIG. 2 is provided with at least two delivery channels 36 a-36 b which are interconnected using the connecting element 22 of the robotic arm 20 with the template 55 in which multiple treatment channels or implant needles 10 are placed into the patient's body 1.

Therefore the embodiment of FIG. 2 is provided with at least two source channels 33 a-33 b each connected with corresponding energy emitting source delivery means 8 a-8 b which are safely mounted in the device 12 using a radiation shielding 12 a. From the radiation drive means 8 a-8 b an energy emitting source 60 a-60 b (not depicted in this Figure, but in FIG. 8) can be advanced and retracted through the source channel 33 a-33 b using a suitable source wire 34 a-34 b. Likewise the identification means 230 comprise a tracking wire 23 accommodated in a tracking channel 35, which tracking wire is provided at its free distal end with a tracking element 23 a.

For a proper operation of the device 12 of FIG. 2, so-called source channel connection means 30 are provided for properly interconnecting one or more of said source channels 33 a-33 b with one of said delivery channels 36 a-36 b. Furthermore the delivery channel connecting means 30 are arranged in it simultaneously connecting the tracking channel 35 with another one of said delivery channels 36 a-36 b.

In other words the device 12 according to the invention as depicted in FIG. 2 is capable of connecting only alternatively in the same connecting positions the tracking channel 35 with the two delivery channels 36 a-36 b and simultaneously connecting the two source channels 33 a-33 b with the two delivery channels 36 a-36 b and alternatively with two delivery channels 36 a-36 b after the checking procedure resulting a waiting time of the sources 60 a-60 b (not depicted in this Figure, but in FIG. 8).

In the FIGS. 3A and 3B a first embodiment of the delivery channel connecting means 30 is depicted. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B the delivery channel connecting means are shaped as a disc-shaped element, which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis 30a and which disc 30 is provided with grooves 31 a-31 b; 32 a-32 b, wherein each groove is capable of interconnecting one of said delivery channels 36 a-36 b with either one of the source channels 33 a-33 b or tracking channel 35. As clearly depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B at least two of said grooves 31 a-31 b are shaped as straight grooves, which cross in this embodiment each other in a perpendicular manner. In a further embodiment at least one of said grooves 32 a-32 b is shaped as a curved groove exhibiting preferably ¼-quarter curvature.

In a first operation condition as depicted in FIG. 3A the cylindrical-shaped connection element 30 is positioned in such manner that the straight groove 31 a is interconnecting the source channel 33 b of the radiation drive means 8 b with the delivery channel 36 b. This allows the advancement of the source wire 34 b and the energy emitting source 60 b (not depicted in this Figure, but in FIG. 8) accommodated in said radiation drive means 8 b through the source channel 33 b, the interconnecting groove or channel 31 a towards the delivery channel 36 b. Likewise the interconnecting groove or channel 31 b interconnects the source channel 33 a with the delivery channel 36 a, allowing the advancement of the source wire 34 a and the energy emitting source 60 a (not depicted) from the radiation drive means 8 a towards the delivery channel 36 a.

The device of FIG. 2 is capable of connecting only alternatively in the same connecting positions the tracking channel with the two delivery channels and two source channels simultaneously and alternatively with two delivery channels during the checking procedure resulting a waiting time of the sources 60 a-60 b.

In FIG. 3B the delivery channel connecting means/cylindrical-shaped element 30 is rotated over 45□ around its longitudinal axis 30 a bringing the two straight grooves 31 a-31 b out of line with one of the source channels 33 a-33 b and the delivery channels 36 a-36 b. However with the rotational displacement of the disc-shaped element 30, the curved grooves 32 a-32 b are now brought in alignment with either source channel 33 a-tracking channel 35 (with delivery channel 36 a) and the source channel 33 b (with the delivery channel 36 b).

In this operational condition the energy emitting source 60 b (not depicted) of the radiation drive means 8 b is now advanced using the source wire 34 b through the source channel 33 b towards the other delivery channel 36 b. Simultaneously the tracking channel 35 has been interconnected with the other delivery channel 36 a via the curved groove 32 a allowing the advancement of the tracking wire 23 (with the tracking element 23 a) with the delivery channel 36 a.

In this operational condition one radiation treatment session can be performed using the radiation drive means 8 b, whereas simultaneously a further treatment channel can now be identified using the tracking element 23 a whilst inserting an energy emitting source until within the patient's body.

In FIGS. 7 and 8 another embodiment of the delivery channel connecting means are disclosed, now depicted with reference number 300. In this embodiment the delivery channel connecting means still comprise a rotatable connection element being rotatable allowed its longitudinal axis 300 a and having an entrance end surface 301 a and an exit end surface 301 b. The embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8 constitute a cylindrically-shaped element 300 with a circumferential surface 301 c wherein multiple grooves are present extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 300 a.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7A two longitudinally extending grooves 31 a-31 b are present, whereas in the embodiment of FIG. 7B four grooves 31 a-31; 32 a-32 b are present. Upon rotation of the cylindrically-shaped channel connecting element 300 along its longitudinal axis 300 a in one or more operational conditions the grooves 31 a-31 b; 32 a-32 b can be brought in alignment at their entrance end surface 301 a with one of said source channels 33 a-33 b and tracking channel 35 whereas the grooves 31 a-31 b; 32 a-32 b can be brought in alignment at their exit end surface 301 b with one of said delivery channels 36 a-36 d (see FIGS. 8A-8B).

As will be seen from the FIGS. 8A-8B the rotational orientation of the cylindrical channel connection element 300 allows the guidance of a source wire 34 a-34 b of tracking wire 23 from one of said source channels 33 a-33 b or tracking channel 35 towards one of said delivery channels 36 a-36 d thereby advancing the corresponding energy emitting source 36 a-36 b or tracking element 23 a towards the intended treatment channel implanted into the patient's body and interconnected with the corresponding delivery channel 36 a-36 d.

In the FIGS. 4 and 5 alternative embodiments of the delivery channel connecting means according to the invention are disclosed. In this embodiment the delivery channel connecting means are constructed as a shifting element 80, which can be displaced in a lateral direction (perpendicular to the orientation of the source channels 33 a-33 b and/or tracking channel 35). The shifting element 80 is provided with grooves or channels capable of interconnecting-depending on the lateral displacement of the shifting element, one of the delivery channels 36 a-36 b-etcetera with either one of the source channels 33 a-33 b or tracking channel 35. Shifting element 80 consists of two element parts 80 a-80 b, wherein the element part 80 a is positioned in a fixed manner, and wherein the element part 80 b is capable of lateral displacement relative to the fixed element part 80 a. However it will be clear that in another embodiment the element part 80 b can be positioned in a fixed manner whereas the other element part 80 a is capable of lateral displacement.

The element part 80 a is provided with—in this embodiment—three exit grooves or channels 82 a-82 b-82 c, wherein the exit channels 82 a-82 c are connected via the connection block 38 with the delivery channel 36 a, whereas the exit channel 82 b is connected via the connection block 38 with the other delivery channel 36 b. The shifting element part 80 b is likewise provided with two entrance grooves or channels 83 a-83 b which are interconnected using the connection block 37 with the, here two source channels 33 a-33 b and one tracking channel 35.

In the FIG. 4A-4B and 5A-5B four operation conditions are depicted, wherein in FIG. 4A the entrance channels 83 a-83 b are interconnected with the exit channels 82 a-82 b allowing the advancement of the energy emitting sources (not depicted) 60 a-60 b via the source channels 33 a-33 b to the delivery channels 36 a-36 b.

In the operational condition of FIG. 4B the shifting element part 80 b is shifted in lateral direction (to the right) interconnecting the entrance channel 83 b with the exit channel 82 b (and the source channel 33 a with the delivery channel 36 b) as well as interconnecting the entrance channel 83 b with the exit channel 82 c (the source channel 33 b with the delivery channel 36 a). In this operational condition the interconnection between the source channels 33 a-33 b and the delivery channels 36 a-36 b has been shifted or switched in relation to the operational condition of FIG. 4A.

The operational condition of FIG. 5A (which corresponds with the condition of FIG. 4A) the tracking channel 35 is used to advance a tracking element from the identification means 230 (see FIG. 2) through the entrance channel 83 a, the exit channel 82 a towards the delivery channel 36 a for the purpose of identifying the correct delivery channel 36 a and the interconnected (not shown) treatment channel. In the operational condition of FIG. 5B (which corresponds with FIG. 4B) the tracking element 23 a can be advanced via the treatment channel 35 towards the other delivery channel 36 b, again for identifying purposes.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B two more embodiments of the device 12 according to the invention are depicted in a more schematic view but more or less having the same technical features as the embodiment of FIG. 2. The embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B have the additional feature of a further shifting element 800 being part of the delivery channel connecting means. Said further switching element 800 is a simplified version of the switching element 80 of FIG. 4-5 and comprises in the embodiment of FIG. 6A one entrance channel 83 a connected with the tracking channel 35 and being connected with the switching elements 30-30′.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6B use is made of at least two energy emitting sources each contained in the shielding 12 a and displaced by radiation drive means 8 a-8 b (as in the embodiment of FIG. 6A). Furthermore one tracking element 23 a contained in identifying means 230 is used. However in this embodiment four delivery channels 36 a-36 d are used and interconnected with corresponding treatment channels implanted in the patient's body using the robotic arm 20 (of FIG. 2). In order to allow a proper selection of either one of said delivery channel 36 a-36 d with either one of the source channels 33 a-33 b and the tracking channel 35 two channel connection elements as disclosed in FIGS. 3A-3B (or FIGS. 4-5, 7-8) are used in combination with a shifting element.

In this FIG. 6B embodiment again a shifting element 800 of a simplified version of the switching element of FIG. 4-5 is used (as described in connection with FIG. 6A) having one entrance channel 83 a connected with the tracking channel 35 and being connected with the switching elements 30-30′.

Both simplified switching elements 800 of FIGS. 6A-6B can be operated by the driving means 800′(for displacing in a transverse direction of the element part 80 b) for interconnecting the tracking channel 35 with either one of the source channels 33 a-33 b-33 c-33 d (and hence with one of the switching elements 30-30′). Each switching element 30-30′ can be likewise be operated using operation means 30 b-30 b′ for example by rotating the disc-shaped switching element of FIG. 3A-3B or by rotating the cylindrical switching element of FIG. 7-8 or with the switching element of FIGS. 4-5. Each switching element 30-30′ is used to select either one of the delivery channels 36 a-36 b or 36 c-36 d respectively.

With the embodiments of FIG. 6A-6B combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 3 a-3 b, FIGS. 4-5 or FIGS. 7-8 the two energy emitting sources 60 a-60 b (not depicted in this Figure but in FIG. 8) can be advanced through their respective source channels 33 a-33 b and tracking channel 35 in the direction to the delivery channels 36 a-36 b (36 a-36 b) wherein the delivery channel connecting means 30 are capable in alternatively to be connected with the delivery channels 36 a-36 d allowing the simultaneous and alternative insertion of two energy emitting sources 60 a-60 b (not depicted in this Figure but in FIG. 8) to either one of the delivery channels 36 a-36 b.

Simultaneously the tracking element 23 a can be displaced to check in one connection position of the connecting element 22 (of the robotic arm 20) with the template 55 all delivery channels 36 a-36 d. First the delivery channels 36 a-36 b are checked/identified and thereafter in the same time when the sources 60 a-60 b are inserted into this checked delivery channels 36 a-36 b the tracking wire 23 moves after switching the switching element 80 into the delivery channels 36 c-36 d.

In FIG. 9 an embodiment is disclosed of the connection element 22 of the robotic arm 20 which connection element is adapted to be brought in engagement with a template 55 to which the multiple hollow treatment channels 10 are connected. The template 55 is thereby provided with multiple grooves or bores 55 a in which multiple treatment channels 10 (implant needles) can be accommodated using suitable coupling parts 10 c, which treatment channels 10 are implanted into a patient's body 1.

The connection element 22 is detachable from the template 55 allowing the stepwise interconnection of the robotic arm 20 provided with at least two delivery channels 36 a-36 b with corresponding implanted treatment channels 10. Therefore it is avoided that the patient 10 is interconnected with the device 12 according to the invention via a large number of delivery channels equal to the number of implanted treatment channels (implant needles) 10. The patient is only discomforted with a number of implanted treatment channels 10 which are interconnected with a template preferably fixed on the treatment table. The template 55 in turn is coupled to the robotic arm 20 in such manner that a limited number of treatment channels 10 are interconnected with a corresponding number of delivery channel 36 a-36 b during one treatment session and can be completely unconnected if necessary without human (users) intervention. The latter is very advantageous in special situations of imaging during the treatment session .

In order to allow a proper engagement between the robotic arm 20/connection element 22 with the template 55 coupling elements 220-55 b are present on both the connection element 22 and the template 55. The coupling elements consists of a electromagnet 220 present on the robotic arm 20, which electromagnet 220 interacts with suitable magnetic contact elements positioned at specific locations on the template 55 as indicated with reference numeral 55 b. When the connection element 22 is properly connected with the template 55 the electromagnet 220 will make a proper magnetic contact with a corresponding magnetic contact element 55b resulting in a fixed coupling.

Furthermore the robotic arm 20 can be provided with multiple sensing elements 221 a-221 b for sensing the presence of a inserted treatment channel into the template 55. In order to allow a proper engagement between the robotic arm 20/coupling element 22 with the template 55 the sensing elements 221 a-221 b are present on both the connection element 22 and the template 55 and may be constructed as a pair of a light emitting element (diode) 221 a-221 b and a light receiving element 221 b-221 a. A proper interaction of a pair of said sensing elements 221 a-221 b with the inserted connecting element 22 into the template of the treatment channel will result in a proper signal generated and sent to the control means of the device 12.

As long as the coupling element 22 is not brought in a proper engagement with the template 55 no interaction will occur between the sensing elements 221 a-221 b and no signal will be sent to the control means of the device 12 and therefore both the identification means 230 and the radiation drive means 8 a-8 b are not activated thereby avoiding the accidental advancement of the tracking element and/or one of more energy emitting sources through the delivery channels to the free, open connection element 22 resulting in hazardous, unsafe situations, such as the dangerous exposure to a radiation of the environment by the unintended advancement of the energy emitting sources 60 a-60 b.

Once a proper engagement between the robotic arm 20/coupling element 22 has been established with the template 55, said engagement is maintained by the electromagnet 220 and the magnetic contact element 55 b.

Also disclosed in FIG. 9 are radiofrequency identification elements 222 being part of the identifying means. Each radiofrequency identification element 222 is mounted on one of said n hollow treatment channels 10 or on the template 55 near one of the delivery channels. A radiofrequency identification element 222 (or RFID) near one of said treatment channels 10 can be controlled or triggered by the tracking element 23 a passing by during its displacement with the tracking wire 23 through the device 12, one of said delivery channels 36 a-36 d towards one of said interconnected treatment channels 10. Hereto the tracking element 23 a should exhibit some kind of magnetic activity, e.g. through the ferromagnetic properties of the tracking element 23 a.

The passing by of the tracking element 23 a will change the radiofrequency emission properties of the RFID 222. In one embodiment the RFID 222 is usually in a so-called ‘off’ or ‘silent’ or ‘low energy’ state and will be switch ‘on’ by said tracking element 23 a passing by during its displacement through the corresponding hollow treatment channel 10. In another embodiment the RFID 222 is continuously emitting electromagnetic energy and the amount of said electromagnetic energy being emitted changed by said tracking element 23 a passing by. In yet another embodiment the already emitting RFID 222 is completely switched off by said tracking element passing by.

In all three situations the changes in the radiofrequency being emitted (from ‘off’ to ‘on’, from high to low, or from ‘on’ to ‘off’) can be detected with suitable means known in the art and used for identifying purposes by the identifying means 230.

In a further embodiment the identification means can also be partly incorporated in the tracking element 22. In that embodiment use is made of accelerometer sensors and/or of gyroscope sensors. The accelerometer measures the acceleration of the tracking element 23 a during displacement through the delivery channel in a certain direction, whereas the gyroscope sensor converts acceleration and change in rotation into signals.

With this embodiment a new proper positioning of the tracking element is accomplished improving the accuracy of the radiation treatment and avoiding treatment errors due to incorrect interconnections of the delivery channels with one or more treatment channels.

In FIG. 10A and 10B a further embodiment is disclosed of a specific feature of the device according of the invention wherein energy emitting source identifying means 85-85′ are present at each connection between a source channel 33 a-33 b with the radiation shielded storage of the energy emitting sources of the radiation drive means 8 a-8 b. The energy emitting source identifying means comprises a wedge-shaped element 85 mounted in the near facility of the exit opening 33 a′-33 b′ of each radiation drive means 8 a-8 d.

Usually the energy emitting sources 60 a-60 b used in the device according to the invention, are considered continuously emitting sources, for example radioactive sources (HDR- or PDR-sources). In order to avoid a possible incorrect activation of one of said radiation drive means 8 a-8 b-etc. and therefore the use of an incorrect energy emitting source for the intended radiation treatment as preplanned the radiation 60′ emitted by the energy emitting source 60 a-60 b is directly monitored upon leaving the radiation shielded storage of the radiation drive means 8 a-8 b.

To this end the wedge-shaped element 85 a is manufactured from a radiation absorbing material, for example lead, resulting a dose distribution detected by the radiation detector 85′ as depicted in FIG. 10B. From the detected dose distribution generated during the displacement of the energy emitting source 60 a-60 d upon leaving the radiation drive means 8 a-8 b through the source channel 33 a-33 b along the wedged-shaped shielding element 85 a proper identification of the energy characteristics of the advanced source 60 a-60 b. With this measuring method an early identification of the energy emitting source 60 a-60 b being advanced through the source channel 33 a or 33 b is obtained allowing an early and proper correction in the event that the incorrect source 60 a-60 b is being advanced through the device 12 towards the robotic arm 22 thereby avoiding an incorrect administering of energy to the patient to be treated as well as avoiding hesitate situations to the environment (and the patient). 

1. An apparatus for effecting radiation treatment on a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body comprising: a group of n hollow treatment channels being inserted at one or more pre-planned positions in said pre-selected anatomical portion; a group of m delivery channels to be connected to a corresponding number m from said group of n hollow treatment channels with m being 2 or more and n being 1 or more; identifying means for identifying which one of said m delivery channels is being connected with which one of said n hollow treatment channels, said identifying means comprising a tracking element accommodated in a tracking channel, said tracking element being intended to be displaced from said tracking channel through each of said interconnected m delivery channels and m treatment channels; storage means for storing k energy emitting sources in a corresponding source-channel, with k≦m; delivery means for temporarily inserting said k energy emitting sources from their source-channels through a corresponding one of said interconnected m delivery channels and m treatment channels towards one of said pre-planned positions in said anatomical portion; coupling means for coupling at least one of said m delivery channels with at least one n hollow treatment channels, characterized in that further delivery channel connecting means are arranged so as that by only one coupling position of the coupling means the k energy emitting sources and/or tracking element can be inserted alternatively and simultaneously through the m delivery channels towards a first group of m treatment channels connected with said m delivery channels, whereas the m delivery and m treatment channels have been previously checked by the identification means.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the delivery channel connecting means comprise a cylindrical shaped element, which cylindrical shaped element is rotatable about it longitudinal axis and provided with grooves, each groove interconnecting one of said m delivery channels with either one of said source-channels or said tracking channel.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that at least two of said grooves are shaped as straight grooves.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said straight grooves cross each other in a perpendicular manner.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that at least a further groove is shaped as a curved groove.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that said at least curved groove exhibits a ¼-quarter of the cylindrical circumferential surface.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said grooves are provided in an end face of said cylindrical shaped element extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rotation.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said grooves are provided in the circumferential surface of said cylindrical shaped element extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the delivery channel connecting means comprise a shifting element, which can be displaced in lateral direction, and which shifting element is provided with grooves interconnecting one of said m delivery channels with either one of said source-channels or said tracking channel.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that said grooves are shaped as straight grooves.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that said grooves are inclined in view of the lateral displacement of the element.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said coupling means comprise a robotic arm carrying said m delivery channels and provided at its free end with a coupling element.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that said coupling element is adapted to be brought in engagement with a template to which said group of n hollow treatment channels are connected.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the coupling means comprise at least one activatable sensing element present on the coupling element.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the sensing element and the contact element consists of a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element.
 16. An apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the coupling means comprise at least one electromagnet present on the coupling element for maintaining the coupling between the coupling element and the template during treatment.
 17. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that k=2 and m=4.
 18. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the identifying means further comprises multiple radiofrequency identification elements each being mounted to one of said n hollow treatment channels, and wherein such a radiofrequency identification element is being controlled by said tracking element being displaced through the corresponding hollow treatment channel.
 19. An apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that said radiofrequency identification element is being switched on by said tracking element being displaced through the corresponding hollow treatment channel.
 20. An apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the radiofrequency identification element is continuously emitting electromagnetic energy and wherein the amount of said electromagnetic energy being emitted is subject to change by said tracking element being displaced through the corresponding hollow treatment channel.
 21. An apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the radiofrequency identification element is being switched off by said tracking element being displaced through the corresponding hollow treatment channel.
 22. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the tracking element is provided with at least one gyroscope sensor and/or at least one accelerometer sensor.
 23. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that for each storage means energy emitting source identifying means are mounted near the corresponding source channel for identifying energy characteristics of the energy emitting source stored in said storage means upon displacement through said corresponding source channel.
 24. An apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that said energy emitting source identifying means comprise a pair of an energy shielding element and an energy detecting element, said energy shielding element at least partly shielding the source channel from the energy detecting element.
 25. An apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that said energy shielding element is constructed as a wedge shaped element.
 26. Energy emitting source identifying means for use with an apparatus for effecting radiation treatment on a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body, which apparatus comprises at least two energy emitting sources, each contained in radiation shielded storage means and capable to be displaced through a corresponding source channel connected to said storage means towards said pre-selected anatomical portion, characterized in that said energy emitting source identifying means comprise a pair of an energy shielding element and an energy detecting element, said energy shielding element at least partly shielding the source channel from the energy detecting element.
 27. Energy emitting source identifying means according to claim 26, characterized in that said energy shielding element is constructed as a wedge shaped element.
 28. A method for effecting radiation treatment on a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body comprising the steps of: i) inserting a group of n hollow treatment channels at one or more positions in said pre-selected anatomical portion; ii) permanently connecting with said group of n hollow treatment channels with a group of n connecting positions of a fixed positioned connecting template; iii) connecting a group of m delivery channels with a number m of said group of n connecting positions of the template; iv) inserting k energy emitting sources each through one of said m delivery channels and interconnected n hollow treatment channels towards one or more positions in said pre-selected anatomical portion; wherein the method further characterized is in that step iii) comprises the step of v) selectively and alternatively connecting the m delivery channels with another number m of said group n connecting positions of the template connected with the treatment channels.
 29. (canceled)
 30. A method for classifying an energy emitting source contained in an radiation shielded compartment and intended for insertion through an insertion channel towards a position in a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body comprising the steps of: a) displacing said energy emitting source from said radiation shielded compartment over a certain distance through said insertion channel with a shielded element; b) detecting the dose being delivered from said energy emitting source during said displacement over said certain distance at different points over that distance; c) determining the dose at said different point over that distance; d) comparing said determined dose measurements with one or more pre-determined and stored dose-distance curves. 